To perform a ritual cleansing bath, you'll first want to set the mood. Try to do this with some semblance of privacy, so you can have peace and quiet. This is supposed to be restful and empowering. If other people live in your home, either send them away while you're taking your bath, or ask that you not be disturbed for a while.
You may wish to light some candles. Some people prefer to turn off the overhead lighting and just use natural light instead. You may also want to light some incense. If you wish you can add flowers around the room and/or in the tub..
As you run the bath, you'll want to incorporate herbs that are associated with cleansing. The best way to do this is to tie herbs into a muslin cloth or bag, and hang it on the faucet so that the warm bathwater runs through it into the tub. You can also float the bag, or several, in the water or just dump the herbs right into your bathtub (NOTE: the herbs may clog your drain if loose in the water, be careful).
Some cleansing herbs are: sage, chamomile, cinnamon, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, hyssop, peppermint You can also use epsom salts or sea salts in combination with any of these. You can use dry or fresh herbs. Oils can also be used.
Once you've filled the bath with warm water, running through the herbal mix, immerse yourself in the tub. Make sure you're completely relaxed -- for some people, this may take a few minutes, but that's okay. Focus on the warmth enveloping your body. Breathe deeply, taking in the scents of the herbal oils in the water. Close your eyes, and become attuned to the rhythms of your own body.
Visualize all the negative energy in your body. As you focus on this, imagine it being swept out of your body, bit by bit, through your skin. See it being released from your body, and diluted into the water. While the negative energy is leaving your body, think about how rejuvenating the bath is. See your body, your spirit, your soul being cleansed and purified by the herbs and the water.
When you feel ready, stand up and get out of the tub. After you've gotten out of the water, release the plug so that all the negativity absorbed by the water can be drained away.
Note: You can buy premade blends of herbs for cleansing baths either online or in some stores.
-A
Credit: my-spiritual-path.blogspot.com
